Operation Water Lily

Last week we cleared out the pond, then divided and repotted the water lily. How to place the lily back in the pond without getting wet? This is how we did it.

Hold tight and don't get pulled in

Down into the deep where the fishes sleep
 soon to grow again.

It's time to sow some seeds - it's March

No spruce or redwood, pine or larch!

We've cleared the pond - disturbed the fish

Return to cabin, start to wish

For better days and softer air;

The trees are budding and no longer bare

The tunnel's cover hangs around in shreds

Concealing gravel and manure in beds -

Our seedlings have an invitation plain

We're looking forward to the Green again.

                                                Keith Pettitt.

Art At The Garden Gate

Community Art Day

On the 13th march we held an art workshop run by three BA fine art students from UCA Canterbury, despite the cold weather the day was well supported with groups from Stone Bay school, Mencap and friends of the garden taking part. People had the chance to make sculptures from willow and hazel coppiced from the garden then display them around the garden. This is the first we have held and intend to hold two or three more workshops this coming year.

Many thanks to all the people who made this day so much fun.    

They say that Spring is on it's way, so here's a salute to the end of the Winter:

To write some lines concerning Garden Gate

The month is February - Winter - late.

The weather has been grey, and yet more grey

(Two periods of sun the other day).

Some herring gulls have visited the site

With daffodils responding to the light.

Occasionally a squirrel darts around

And, hanging upside down, the seeds he found.

The blue tits make a foray now and then - 

The foxes have resorted to their den.

                                                                                                    Keith Pettitt.